Recognize these habits of thinking that destroy your fitness program and substitute them with forgiving alternatives.
1. All or nothing type thinking: Encourages you to define yourself by a single episode. " I missed a workout. No sense trying. I'm a failure." Replace that thought with this one. "I'll get right back on track with my program."
2. Focusing on the negative: "I've never been in shape in the past and I never will be in the future." Replace that thought with this one. "With consistent effort I can be as fit as the next woman."
3. Expecting too much too soon: "I'm have not my goals yet, so what is the sense of trying." Replace that thought with this one. "I've made small progress, but fitness takes time and is an ongoing process.
Seek The Support Of Positive People
Sometimes change makes others feel uncomfortable, so they’ll try to discourage you from making progress. It’s important to realize that in refusing to support you, they are revealing their own fears and weaknesses.
Negative comments from those around you can cause self-doubt about your desire to change and reach your goals.
1. Stand up to ridicule and teasing.
2. Realize that jokes at the expense of others are nothing more than a socially acceptable way of expressing intent to verbally hurt.
3. Seek the support of encouraging friends and family who understand the goals that you are trying to reach. Sarcasm and negative comments can be a lethal weapon, so surround yourself with encouraging people.
What can you do to guard your self-esteem from the treacherous images of flawlessness presented by the media?
1) Be honest with yourself.
2) Realize that genetics have programmed you to have a certain body type. Not every woman can or should be model thin, but we all can be fit and strong.
3) Find your own standard of beauty rather than comparing yourself to airbrushed cover models.
4) Choose to take care of your body to the best of your ability, regardless of what society is doing. Eat nutritiously and exercise regularly on a consistent basis.
5) Practice self-acceptance and don't allow your feelings about your body to be manipulated by the media.
What Does It Really Mean To Have A Positive Body Image?
A positive body image means that your feelings about your outward appearance are constructive, and that those feelings are not easily changed because of other events in your life.
Many women feel that changing their bodies will solve all their problems. "If only I were ……."
When you truly have a positive body image you respect and value yourself just the way your are, but never give up on being the best you can be.
Don't let your body image issues become an emotional dumping ground. Remaining positive makes it more likely that you'll stay consistent with your fitness efforts. It's when we let the negativity creep in that we're more apt to give up on ourselves.
Click Here To View Other Articles.
Email This Article To A Friend
